Products made of genuine sheepskin and wool are particularly easy to care for and keep their beauty for years without much effort. The unique structure of the fibres makes the wool highly resistant to dirt and, at the same time, remarkably durable and robust.
Even so, we recommend reading the following care instructions before using your Sheepskinhouse product. The care instructions for the different skins are similar, but there are some minor differences to keep in mind. If you have any questions or need further help, we are happy to assist.
General care instructions
For every sheepskin:
For every sheepskin:
Shake it out regularly. But we also have a rule of thumb for you: skins with straight wool should be brushed now and then, while curly skins only need to be shaken.
Washing a genuine sheepskin should always be done with care, as almost no skins can be washed in the washing machine. Even with skins that are machine washable, it is very common for the wool to become matted and for the leather to turn hard after drying.
We therefore recommend machine washing only as a last resort. It often makes far more sense to treat stains directly and quickly rather than washing the whole skin in the washing machine.
How to care for your sheepskin
How to care for your sheepskin
To make sure you still enjoy your sheepskin ten years from now, we have put together three rules of thumb:
- Vacuum, shake or brush your product regularly
- Keep dyed products out of direct sunlight. This protects the wool from UV damage and possible fading
- Treat stains and spills as promptly as possible
Take care when vacuuming
Regular vacuuming keeps the wool and fibres fresh and fluffy. Always make sure the vacuum cleaner is on its lowest setting to avoid unnecessary damage.
Only vacuum skins with straight wool. Straight-wool sheepskins also benefit from an occasional going-over with a sheepskin brush.
How to remove stains
How to remove stains
As a rule, small stains and spills are easy to remove with a cloth and a little lukewarm water with a wool detergent containing lanolin. If this is not enough, please follow the care instructions for your product or contact our team for further help.
Please note: Always treat stains and spills as quickly as possible, as wet stains are easier to remove than dried-in ones. Also remember to avoid direct sunlight because of the UV rays. Only natural, undyed skins are suitable for use in the sun.
Sheepskin from New Zealand
New Zealand sheepskins come in two versions: short wool and long wool. The short-wool version is characterised by fine, curly wool, while the long-wool version stands out for its long, straight wool.
Care
Care
Long-wool sheepskin from New Zealand
- Shake the skin out regularly, approx. 2-3 times a month
- Vacuum the skin regularly on the lowest setting
- Brush the skin regularly to keep the wool soft and fluffy
Short-wool sheepskin from New Zealand
- Shake the skin out regularly, approx. 2-3 times a month
- Avoid vacuuming and brushing, as this could damage the natural curls
- Have the curls disappeared? Bring them back with this simple trick: lightly dampen your hands and gently scrunch the wool in different places to press the curls back into shape. Then leave the skin to dry completely (see below).
Washing
Washing
- Hand wash in warm water (max. 30 degrees)
- Use only a mild liquid detergent containing lanolin
- Shake the skin out well to remove excess water
- The leather side may become harder after washing. Pull it over the edge of a table to soften it again
- Do not wash the skin in the washing machine
Drying
Drying
- Lay the skin on a clothes airer to dry, wool side down
- Do not tumble dry
- Pull the skin into shape while it dries
- Dry away from sunlight and direct heat
Discolouration
Discolouration
- Keep the skin out of direct sunlight to avoid discolouration or fading (does not apply to white and black skins)
- For coloured skins, we recommend professional cleaning to preserve the colours in the long term
Lambskin from Tibet
Tibetan lambskins are known for their fine corkscrew curls and are ideal as a decorative accent. Available in a range of colours, Tibetan lambskins are not only a highlight for your interior but also an elegant statement.
Care
Care
- Shake the skin out regularly, approx. 2-3 times a month
- Avoid vacuuming and brushing, as this could damage the natural curls
- Have the curls disappeared? Bring them back with this simple trick: lightly dampen your hands and gently scrunch the wool in different places to press the curls back into shape. Then leave the skin to dry completely (see below).
Washing
Washing
- Hand wash in warm water (max. 30 degrees)
- Use only a mild liquid detergent containing lanolin
- Shake the skin out well to remove excess water
- The leather side may become harder after washing. Pull it over the edge of a table to soften it again
- Do not wash the skin in the washing machine
Drying
Drying
- Lay the skin on a clothes airer to dry, wool side down
- Do not tumble dry
- Pull the skin into shape while it dries
- Dry away from sunlight and direct heat
Discolouration
Discolouration
- Keep the skin out of direct sunlight to avoid discolouration or fading (does not apply to white and black skins)
- For coloured skins, we recommend professional cleaning to preserve the colours in the long term
Sheepskin from Iceland
Icelandic sheepskins stand out for their natural look. These skins are extremely hard-wearing and ideal for outdoor use, as they do not discolour in direct sunlight.
We offer both short-wool and long-wool sheepskins from Iceland. Whether indoors or outdoors, these skins lend any space a subtle elegance and natural beauty.
Care
Care
- Shake the skin out regularly, approx. 2-3 times a month
- Vacuum the skin regularly on the lowest setting
- Brush the skin regularly to keep the wool soft and fluffy
Washing
Washing
- Hand wash in warm water (max. 30 degrees)
- Use only a mild liquid detergent containing lanolin
- Shake the skin out well to remove excess water
- The leather side may become harder after washing. Pull it over the edge of a table to soften it again
- Do not wash the skin in the washing machine
Drying
Drying
- Lay the skin on a clothes airer to dry, wool side down
- Do not tumble dry
- Pull the skin into shape while it dries
- Dry away from sunlight and direct heat
Sheepskin from England
The English sheepskins are natural and undyed too, and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With their wonderfully soft wool, English sheepskins are among the most pleasant skins in our collection and offer an incomparable feeling of luxury and comfort.
Care
Care
- Shake the skin out regularly, approx. 2-3 times a month
- Vacuum the skin regularly on the lowest setting
- Brush the skin regularly to keep the wool soft and fluffy
Washing
Washing
- Hand wash in warm water (max. 30 degrees)
- Use only a mild liquid detergent containing lanolin
- Shake the skin out well to remove excess water
- The leather side may become harder after washing. Pull it over the edge of a table to soften it again
- Do not wash the skin in the washing machine
Drying
Drying
- Lay the skin on a clothes airer to dry, wool side down
- Do not tumble dry
- Pull the skin into shape while it dries
- Dry away from sunlight and direct heat
Sheepskin from Austria
Austrian sheepskins are characterised by their elegant curls, which give them a very special, decorative charm.
These skins are also undyed and can be used outdoors without any problem. With their attractive look and natural robustness, they are an elegant choice for any home.
Care
Care
- Shake the skin out regularly, approx. 2-3 times a month
- Avoid vacuuming and brushing, as this could damage the natural curls
- Have the curls disappeared? Bring them back with this simple trick: lightly dampen your hands and gently scrunch the wool in different places to press the curls back into shape. Then leave the skin to dry completely (see below).
Washing
Washing
- Hand wash in warm water (max. 30 degrees)
- Use only a mild liquid detergent containing lanolin
- Shake the skin out well to remove excess water
- The leather side may become harder after washing. Pull it over the edge of a table to soften it again
- Do not wash the skin in the washing machine
Drying
Drying
- Lay the skin on a clothes airer to dry, wool side down
- Do not tumble dry
- Pull the skin into shape while it dries
- Dry away from sunlight and direct heat
Cowhide from Brazil
Our Brazilian cowhides are among the finest products in our range. Thanks to their natural properties, they need very little care, and their hard-wearing surface means they keep their elegant appearance for a long time without any elaborate upkeep.
6 care tips for genuine cowhide
6 care tips for genuine cowhide
- Shake out and air the hide regularly in the fresh air (frosty weather is fine too) to freshen it up and remove dust
- Stains can be removed with neutral soap and lukewarm water (max. 40 degrees) – avoid vigorous scrubbing
- Avoid soaking the hide, so that it keeps its structure and softness
- Do not use chemical cleaning agents, to protect the hide.
- Clean the hide gently with a soft, clean cloth
- Turn the hide regularly to prevent uneven wear
Goatskin from Mongolia
Mongolian goatskins impress with their long, glossy hair, which reaches a length of around 20 cm. These skins bring an exotic, luxurious atmosphere to any home and are available in a range of colours.
Care
Care
- Shake the skin out regularly, approx. 2-3 times a month
- Vacuum the skin regularly on the lowest setting
Washing
Washing
- Hand wash in warm water (max. 30 degrees)
- Use only a mild liquid detergent containing lanolin
- Shake the skin out well to remove excess water
- The leather side may become harder after washing. Pull it over the edge of a table to soften it again
- Do not wash the skin in the washing machine
Drying
Drying
- Lay the skin on a clothes airer to dry, wool side down
- Do not tumble dry
- Pull the skin into shape while it dries
- Dry away from sunlight and direct heat
Discolouration
Discolouration
- Keep the skin out of direct sunlight to avoid discolouration or fading (does not apply to white and black skins)
- For coloured skins, we recommend professional cleaning to preserve the colours in the long term
Goatskin from Tibet
Tibetan goatskins are characterised by their unspoilt beauty and a hair length of approx. 5 cm. They are natural and undyed and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Thanks to their exceptional durability, Tibetan goatskins are ideal as small rugs that are both functional and decorative.
Care
Care
- Shake the skin out regularly, approx. 2-3 times a month
- Vacuum the skin regularly on the lowest setting
Washing
Washing
- Hand wash in warm water (max. 30 degrees)
- Use only a mild liquid detergent containing lanolin
- Shake the skin out well to remove excess water
- The leather side may become harder after washing. Pull it over the edge of a table to soften it again
- Do not wash the skin in the washing machine
Drying
Drying
- Lay the skin on a clothes airer to dry, wool side down
- Do not tumble dry
- Pull the skin into shape while it dries
- Dry away from sunlight and direct heat
Reindeer hide
Reindeer hides can vary in size and colour, which makes each one special. Their characteristic hollow hairs give the hides a unique texture and lightness.
Because of this special structure, we recommend using reindeer hides for decoration only, as they are not suited to heavier use. They are nevertheless an impressive eye-catcher and bring a natural, Nordic elegance to your home.
Using your reindeer hide
Using your reindeer hide
- Preferably use the hide for decorative purposes to preserve its beauty in the long term
- In warm conditions the hide gains volume, and the hairs may shed with heavy use, e.g. on a chair
- Avoid using reindeer hides as seating, and protect them from direct heat (e.g. radiators, underfloor heating, close to a fireplace)
Cleaning
Cleaning
- Freshen up the hide by shaking it gently to loosen dust and dirt
- Vacuum the hide on the lowest suction setting. Always work in the natural direction of the hair
- The hide can be dabbed with a damp cloth or washed carefully to clean it gently
